Advanced DBT-A Training: The Complex Principles of the Treatment Model

About the Course

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy for Adolescents (DBT-A) has transformed the treatment of young people struggling with suicidal and self-harming behaviours, emotional dysregulation, and complex comorbidities. As co-developers of DBT-A, Jill Rathus and Alec Miller are internationally recognized for their groundbreaking research, clinical expertise, and practical innovations that have shaped the model worldwide.

This advanced workshop is designed for DBT teams who are already delivering DBT-A and are ready to refine their practice. Through a blend of teaching, clinical case discussion, and interactive exercises, participants will deepen their understanding of the complex principles that drive effective DBT-A and receive specialist coaching directly from the field’s leading experts.

Learning Objectives

In this training, you will explore:

• Dialectical Strategies and Dialectical Dilemmas – mastering the art of balance in complex clinical scenarios
• The Multi-Family Skills Group Model – understanding its rationale and maximizing its therapeutic impact
• Commitment Strategies – strengthening engagement and buy-in from both adolescents and families
• Specialized Skills for Teens and Caregivers – including shared parent–teen activities to foster connection
• Effective DBT-A Team Functioning – building resilience, collaboration, and sustainability in your DBT team
• Troubleshooting DBT-A Challenges – addressing obstacles at the client, family, and systems level while staying adherent to the model

Why attend?

Working with high-risk adolescents requires clinical precision, flexibility, and a deep understanding of the dialectical stance. This advanced training goes beyond the fundamentals, equipping you with practical strategies, nuanced insights, and renewed confidence to sustain therapeutic momentum in the most challenging cases.

Schedule:

14-15 September 2026 from 13:00-17:00 BST,

&

21-22 September 2026 from 13:00-17:00 BST

Prerequisites

This training is suitable for mental health professionals who are part of a DBT team actively delivering full-program DBT-A (or an adaptation thereof).